Lift up your eyes and fix them on the place beyond the horizon to which you are sent. Journey in trust, assured that the great and marvelous work is for this time and for all time.

[Excerpted from “There Is Hope: Sacred Community Finds Divine Refuge in Christ” by Angela Ramirez, Mar/Apr 2025 Herald, pp. 17–19]

Last summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a hybrid retreat for the Mexico-Texas Mission Center. My participation was planned for the Texas side. The planning was excellent, and the brothers and sisters were extremely excited.

I flew from the Dominican Republic to McAllen, Texas, with three layovers. My first connection was on time, and I arrived in Miami, my first stop, almost exactly as scheduled. I boarded my second flight to Dallas, and although we boarded on time, disembarking took too long, seemingly making it impossible for me to board my next flight on time.

I hurried off, looking for the gate for my next flight. I realized I needed to take the train to reach the next terminal. I quickly got on the train, which took me to the indicated gate. But to get there, I had to go down what felt like the longest staircase of my life.

I began to rush down the stairs, and when I was halfway down, I saw the gate. Sadly, it said “flight closed.” Still, I continued quickly and made my way to the gate. I heard the agent at the desk call my name, so I picked up my pace. She handed me a seat ticket, and I hurried down the jet bridge to the plane door. I reached my seat and settled in. Then minutes later, the plane took off. It was a calm and restful flight.

Finally, I arrived at McAllen airport, where my brothers and sisters were waiting for me. It had been an extremely active day, and I was exhausted. But the joy of reaching my destination, even despite closed doors, outweighed my fatigue.

The next day we began our retreat, which was comforting and filled with the Holy Spirit’s powerful presence. If I had to face the same obstacles again to participate in such an event, I certainly would do it.

Reflecting on the experience, I see how God’s mighty and protective hand works in mysterious ways. Even when we face closed doors, we should not stop, because we might be positively surprised by what lies beyond a closed door or an unyielding path. Reaching the destination should be an opportunity to test ourselves. “Where are you sending me, O God, at this moment?”
(continued in tomorrow’s Daily Bread)

Prayer Phrase

“Do not be afraid, for I am your God…” (Isaiah 41:10).

Voices of God

What is the voice of God saying to us? Do we hear the whispers of God’s longing for shalom; God’s dream of beauty and wholeness for all creation? Do we hear the “voice” of God calling to us in faces and eyes, in the sounds of suffering and joy, in scripture and sacred word, in tears and laughter, in silence and noise? Spend a few moments reflecting on when and how God’s voice speaks to you. When did you first feel called to join God in the pursuit of peace and justice? How does the call of shalom continue to come to you through the many “voices” of God?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.